To
All Who Shall See These Presents Greeting:
This is to Certify that
The President of the United States of America
Authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918
Has Awarded

THE SILVER STAR
TO

ADAMEC,
JEFFREYSynopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Jeffrey Adamec, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with
Company C, 3d Battalion, 3d Special Forces Group (Airborne), during
combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 6 April
2003, at Debecka Pass, Iraq. Staff Sergeant Adamec destroyed four Iraqi
armored personnel carriers and one enemy position with Javelin anti-tank
missiles while under fire when his team attacked a fortified ridgeline
in northern Iraq. Those actions helped secure an intersection linking
Mosul and Kirkuk, Iraq. Staff Sergeant Adamec's actions are in keeping
with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct
credit upon himself, this Command, and the United States Army.Home Town: Howell Township, New JerseyIf you can help us locate S/Sgt Adamec's
Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

ALICEA,
BENNYSynopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Benny Alicea, Sergeant [then Specialist], U.S.
Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving
with Company A, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 1st Cavalry
Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI
FREEDOM, on 4 November 2004, in Iraq. Sergeant Alicea, then a Specialist
serving as a rifleman and grenadier in Company A, was part of a
door-to-door sweep to round up terrorist suspects when his squad was
ambushed at a two-story house along the primary north-south road in
Fallujah. Dropping back into the courtyard, with gunfire spraying out of
the house and from across the street, Sergeant Alicea was struck in the
hip and buttocks by shrapnel from two grenades that had been rolled
through the front door. Moving away from the courtyard, the squad headed
for the street. After continuing to fire on the house, Sergeant Alicea
was the last to emerge. When his wounded leg gave out, he huddled into a
position alongside three wounded comrades in the middle of the road as
multiple rounds flew all around them. He continued firing his weapon at
the insurgent forces until his own ammunition was exhausted. He then
grabbed magazines from the wounded and managed to protect the position
until another Bradley fighting vehicle arrived on the scene. He helped
load the most seriously injured soldiers before finally being taken away
himself. By his heroic actions he Sergeant Alicia saved the lives of
three of his comrades.Home Town: Attleboro, MassachusettsPersonal Awards: Silver Star (War on Terrorism), Purple HeartIf you can help us locate Sgt Alicea's Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

ALLEN,
FREDERICKSynopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Frederick Allen, Sergeant First Class [then Staff
Sergeant], U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action while serving with Operational Detachment Alpha 512 (ODA-512),
5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), during combat operations in support
of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, at An Najaf, Iraq, on 12 August 2004.
Sergeant First Class Allen, the other members of Operational Detachment
- Alpha 512, along with 51 Iraqi National Guardsmen, engaged
approximately 15 - 20 Mahdi Militiamen embedded inside a school. The
detachment, with the Iraqi National Guard in the lead, advanced toward
their objective and came under immediate and intense enemy fire from
inside the school. Sergeant First Class Allen, the gunner in the
detachment's 2d vehicle, ordered his GMV forward, placing himself in the
direct line of fire to allow the Iraqi National Guard elements to
re-group and reorganize after sustaining several casualties. Multiple
times in the fight, Sergeant First Class Allen selflessly stayed in the
line of fire battling the enemy, so that others could make it back to
cover. Sergeant First Class Allen's actions are in keeping with the
finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon
himself, this Command, and the United States Army.Born: at Ann Arbor, Michigan
Home Town: Ann Arbor, MichiganIf you can help us locate SFC Allen's Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

ALVAREZ,
JOSESynopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Jose Alvarez, Specialist, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the
1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, during
combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. On 13 March
2006, Specialist Alvarez distinguished himself at Ramadi, Iraq, as a
member of Task Force CURRAHEE, risking his own life numerous times to
come to the aid of his comrades. When a barrage of small-arms fire and
rocket-propelled grenades wounded one of his comrades, leaving him
incapacitated in the middle of the street, Specialist Alvarez left cover
and ran into the kill zone. He covered his comrade's body with his own
and returned fire on the enemy, before dragging the wounded man to
safety. Specialist Alvarez' actions are in keeping with the finest
traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself,
this Command, and the United States Army.Home Town: West Orange, New JerseyIf you can help us locate Spc Alvarez's Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

ANDERSON,
DAVID S.Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to David S. Anderson, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a
Section Leader with 1st Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry
Regiment, 1st Armored Division, during combat operations in support of
Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, at Ramadi, Iraq, on 24 September 2006. When a
dismounted team was attacked during an operation and several men were
wounded, Staff Sergeant Anderson's section leader, Staff Sergeant Jason
P. Trumpower led his Bradley Fighting Vehicle in an attempt to evacuate
the Soldiers after a tank accompanying him had trouble negotiating the
narrow streets. The vehicle was hit by an IED, disabling it and
critically wounding the driver and pinning Staff Sergeant Trumpower in
the vehicle, whereupon he maintained security and notified higher
headquarters of the situation. Staff Sergeant Anderson, who was also
responding to the call for aid in his Bradley Fighting Vehicle, linked
up with Staff Sergeant Trumpower and began evacuating the crew as
another vehicle dealt with the dismounted casualties. He was directing
his vehicle back to Camp Ramadi when it, too, was disabled by an IED,
wounding five inside. The explosion knocked out communications and
caused a fire in the rear compartment. Staff Sergeant Anderson, who had
been outside checking his gunner and driver, attempted to let down the
rear ramp and the troop door, but both were jammed. Staff Sergeant
Trumpower, with severe wounds to his hands and face, tried to get the
cargo hatch open. With Staff Sergeant Anderson's help, the two men were
able to open it wide enough to evacuate the vehicle. Another soldier,
although also wounded and disoriented by the flames, found the
fire-suppression handle and doused the blaze long enough for everyone to
escape. Once everyone was out, Staff Sergeant Anderson took a rifle from
the vehicle and single- handedly made sure there were no insurgents
within a nearby building, while Staff Sergeant Trumpower guarded the
wounded and a medic evaluated and stabilized them. After they moved the
wounded into the building, Staff Sergeant Anderson attempted to retrieve
a radio and smoke grenade to signal their location, only to find both
destroyed in the vehicle. Knowing the wounded driver was going into
shock and could bleed to death without immediate evacuation, he ran
about 400 meters to try and get the attention of a nearby tank crew.
Unable to get the attention of the tank, he ran farther down the road to
wave down a Bradley Fighting Vehicle, then led it back to the wounded
Soldiers, and subsequently supervised the loading of his men.Home Town: Batesville, MississippiIf you can help us locate S/Sgt Anderson's Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

ANDERSON,
RODERICK C.Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Roderick C. Anderson, Sergeant Major, U.S. Army,
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with
Operational Detachment Alpha 365 (ODA-365), 2d Battalion, 3d Special
Forces Group (Airborne) in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, on 3
July 2004, in Afghanistan. On that date, Sergeant Major Anderson was
leading a task force of Special Forces soldiers, Marines and Afghan
soldiers out of the Korangal Valley in the Konar province of
Afghanistan, when his convoy of 15 vehicles was ambushed while heading
out of the valley after capturing nine suspected insurgent leaders.
Guerrillas were dug in behind a stone wall and peppered the convoy from
three sides with rocket-propelled grenades and machine-gun fire. Afghan
security forces with the Special Forces team were in the lead vehicle
and stopped to find cover, trapping the rest of the convoy in the kill
zone. Sergeant Major Anderson jumped out of his truck and fired back
with a machine gun. Caught in a crossfire, he continued to fire without
losing command of the more than 80 soldiers under his command. He also
directed strafing runs by A-10 attack fighter jets, the award citation
said. After firing the anti-tank weapon at the guerrillas, Sergeant
Major Anderson again exposed himself to machine-gun fire when he placed
a wounded soldier in his seat as the convoy escaped the valley. He ran
along with the truck for more than 300 meters, carrying a machine gun
and ammunition. Before the soldiers could escape, enemy fighters
disabled a truck containing sensitive communications equipment. Anderson
covered a four-man team as it destroyed the truck so the equipment would
not fall into enemy hands.Personal Awards: Silver Star (War on
Terrorism), Soldiers MedalIf you can help us locate Sgt Maj Anderson's Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

ASHBY,
RANDALL LEECitation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Randall Lee Ashby, First Lieutenant (Corps of
Engineers), U.S. Army, for gallantry while serving as the Platoon Leader
of Second Platoon, Company B, 317th Engineer Battalion, 2d Battalion,
69th Armor Regiment, 3d Infantry Division (Mechanized). First Lieutenant
Ashby consistently demonstrated valor in executing his engineer missions
as the lead sapper platoon leader for Task Force 2-69 Armor. Serving
with Team ASSASSIN, he voluntarily executed dangerous missions in order
to contribute to the engineer's success. First Lieutenant Ashby's
personal bravery and selfless actions are in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, Third Infantry Division "Rock of the Marne," and the
United States Army.

NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD: For gallantry in connection with military operations against a
hostile force in the country of Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI
FREEDOM. First Lieutenant Ashby distinguished himself while serving as
Platoon Leader with Second Platoon, Company B, 317th Engineer Battalion,
and attached to 2d Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3d Infantry Division
(Mechanized). First Lieutenant Ashby exhibited extreme gallantry on
multiple occasions in over 25 days of continuous combat operations. He
spearheaded engineer movement for the Division for roughly 200
kilometers to OBJ CLAY, the Highway 1 Bridge across the Euphrates
located to the west of An Nasiriyah. On the night of 21 March 2003,
First Lieutenant Ashby led the engineer effort at OBJ CLAY under Team
Assassin by providing the first reconnaissance of this key bridge as
elements of the Iraqi 11th Infantry Division defended the area. First
Lieutenant Ashby, while under fire, conducted a difficult classification
mission and ensured the safe passage of an armored company onto OBJ CLAY
NORTH. Moreover, after the Task Force had established a tactical
assembly area to the west, First Lieutenant Ashby returned to OBJ CLAY
to reconnoiter a construction bridge adjacent to the Highway 1 Bridge
amid enemy artillery fire from the northern shore. Later, as Team
Assassin conducted a dangerous linkup with elements of 3-7 Cavalry south
of the city of Al Kifl, First Lieutenant Ashby directed his platoon's
emplacement of vital blocking obstacles to prevent enemy penetration of
the company's sector for more than seventy hours of continuous enemy
contact. In addition, under his leadership 2nd Platoon destroyed 300
pounds of TNT intended by the enemy for use on the Al Kifl Bridge. In
southern Al Kifl, his platoon gained entry using demolitions to a
water-bottling factory with a water supply greatly needed by both the
Task Force and the local populous. First Lieutenant Ashby again
distinguished himself on 1 April 2003 by emplacing explosive obstacles
along RTE VENEZUELA to the east of the key city of Karbala at OBJ LEE.
He led the emplacement with Team Assassin under fire from Saddam
Fedayeen RPG ambushes and T-62 tanks. On 6 April 2003 again with Team
Assassin as the lead element of the Task Force's attack into the Taji
region north of Baghdad against Republican Guard and Saddam Fedayeen
units, First Lieutenant Ashby personally destroyed with, MK-19 fire,
eight enemy RPG teams and dismounted enemy soldiers over a 55 kilometer
attack to OBJ MONTY. He displayed calm leadership following a fatal
enemy RPG strike on one of his M113 armored personnel carriers,
providing stability for his men as they treated two other soldiers
wounded in action. While escorting a D9 Dozer, a Division high value
asset, to OBJ MONTY, First Lieutenant Ashby protected the dozer from an
enemy vehicle intent on ramming them. First Lieutenant Ashby's personal
bravery as the lead sapper platoon leader for Task Force 2-69 Armor are
in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect
great credit upon himself, Third Infantry Division "Rock of the
Marne," and the United States Army.Born: January 1, 1977 at Arlington
Heights, Illinois
Home Town: Spartanburg, South Carolina

BALDWIN,
BRENT R.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Brent R. Baldwin, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against enemy forces
while serving as the Detachment Weapons Sergeant for Special Forces
Operational Detachment Alpha 062 (ODA-062), Company C, 2d Battalion,
10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), under Advanced Operational Base
060, in action at Baqubah, Iraq, on 9 April 2004, during combat
operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Staff Sergeant
Baldwin's outstanding leadership, personal bravery and selfless actions
are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and
reflect great credit upon himself, the 10th Special Forces Group
(Airborne), and the United States Army.

NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD: Staff Sergeant Brent R. Baldwin distinguished himself through
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against enemy forces, in
Baqubah, Iraq, on 9 April 2004, while serving as the Detachment Weapons
Sergeant for Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 062 (ODA-062),
Company C, 2d Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), under
Advanced Operational Base 060. Staff Sergeant Baldwin's heroism and
bravery under intense enemy fire and in total disregard for personal
safety, saved the life of a wounded American Soldier and led to the
overwhelming success and survival of Operational Detachment Alpha 062
(ODA-062) in an engagement with Anti Iraqi Forces (AIF). While Staff
Sergeant Baldwin and his detachment were patrolling to downtown Baqubah
after receiving multiple reports that 500 AIF were staged to conduct
attacks on Coalition and Iraqi government entities and structures, Staff
Sergeant Baldwin and two other detachment members moved to the rooftop
of the Diyala Police Station and emplaced hasty defensive fighting
positions. As the attack began his hasty defensive position was
destroyed by three direct hits from a volley of approximately a dozen
rocket propelled grenades (RPG), fired from four separate positions.
During the initial phases of the attack, Staff Sergeant Baldwin dug a
trapped and wounded Soldier out of the rubble and revived him under
intense hostile fire and continuous barrages of RPGs. Realizing that the
massing of fires was the prelude to an all-out assault, Staff Sergeant
Baldwin emerged from the destroyed fighting position firing his M-249
machine gun at the AIF attackers. The AIF continued to systematically
target his rooftop position with a sustained attack of at least 25 RPGs
supported by medium machine gun and various small arms fire. Without
regard for his own personal safety, Staff Sergeant Baldwin engaged and
killed several AIF attempting to breach the building's defensive
perimeter by moving to multiple positions and engaging the enemy with
withering fire in a close-pitched battle. Staff Sergeant Baldwin then
repositioned himself to his initial exposed defensive position to
counter another enemy flanking maneuver killing several more attackers
at close range and destroying an enemy machine gun position with an
AT-4. As the battle continued, Staff Sergeant Baldwin further exposed
himself to enemy fire as he systematically moved around the rooftop
perimeter coordinating and directing friendly fires in order to gain
fire superiority over the enemy. Having repelled the enemy assault,
Staff Sergeant Baldwin then moved from the rooftop to the first floor of
the jail compound of the Diyala Police Station. He then organized U.S.
Forces to retake the detention facility from approximately 350 inmates
who were rioting and attempting to escape. The inmates had broken out of
their cells to get away from a very large fire in the jail portion of
the police station caused by the intense RPG fire. While leading the
U.S. Forces to retake the detention facility, Staff Sergeant Baldwin was
forced to engage a very large inmate, whose ultimate plan was to pull
Staff Sergeant Baldwin into a sea of rioting prisoners, in hand-to-hand
combat. While engaged with the inmate in unarmed combat, and risking his
own safety, he instructed U.S. Forces to fire non-lethal ammunition at
the prisoner. The inmate was shot three times with non-lethal rounds and
continued to fight Staff Sergeant Baldwin with intense vigor until Staff
Sergeant Baldwin subdued him using hand-to-hand techniques, quelling the
riotous intentions of the rest of the prisoners. Staff Sergeant Baldwin
demonstrated an extraordinary degree of heroism under fire, by rallying
his Special Forces detachment in the successful repelling of an
over-whelming superior battalion-sized enemy force, which maintained the
integrity and authority of the Diyala Police Station and the Iraqi
Interim Government Counsel. His heroic actions are in keeping with the
finest traditions of gallantry and intrepidity, which reflect great
credit upon himself, the Special Operations Command Central, and the
United States Army.Born: at Monroe, Michigan
Home Town: Jonesville, Michigan

BALLARD,
THOMASSynopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Thomas Ballard, Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with
Military Transition Team 0810, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th
Infantry Division, during combat operations in support of Operation
IRAQI FREEDOM, on 28 and 29 January 2007. On that date, Iraqi soldiers
of the 1st Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division, were killed in action
against enemy insurgents and their brigade commander reported that he
was taking fire and needed help. Believing that the enemy force was no
larger than 15 or 20 militants, 12 paratroops of the 4th Brigade Combat
Team (Airborne) went to their aid. As the reinforcements reached the
site of the ongoing battle, they witnessed an AH-64 Apache helicopter
fall from the sky. Immediately their mission changed and they moved to
the downed chopper to protect the wreckage and look for the pilots. As
the paratroopers reached the crash site they drove on a road parallel to
the downed helicopter with Maser Sergeant Ballard's vehicle in the lead.
Master Sergeant Ballard was ordered to pull onto the far side while the
rest of the convoy remained on the side opposite him. As the team
commanders vehicle pulled into an open area, it began receiving heavy
machine gun fire and an RPG was launched against it. It quickly became
obvious that the enemy force was much larger than originally estimated,
and a heavy fire fight ensued. After a three- hour battle more than 265
enemy bodies were found and more than 400 militants surrendered. Master
Sergeant Ballard's actions on the day of the fight and the following day
were phenomenal. His dedication to the mission, his disregard for the
enemy threat, and his lead from the front attitude was an inspiration to
all of his men.If you can help us locate
M/Sgt Ballard's Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

*BARBIERI,
THOMAS JOSEPH, II (KIA)Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Thomas Joseph Barbieri, II, Specialist,
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action during combat operations against an
armed enemy, while serving as a Gunner with the 1st Battalion, 325th
Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2d Brigade, 82d Airborne Division, as part
of the Joint Task Force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 23
August 2006. Specialist Barbieri assaulted heavily armed enemy
combatants who were occupying a strong ambush position with dominating
fields of fire. Utilizing his squad automatic weapon, he conducted a
daring assault on the flank of the enemy force, exposing himself in full
view of the enemy in order to bring his weapon to bear and prevent enemy
fire on his Platoon Sergeant and the rest of his platoon located in the
ambush kill zone. He killed one enemy combatant and made possible the
destruction of the second, but only at the cost of his own life.
Specialist Barbieri's distinctive accomplishments are in keeping with
the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit
upon himself, this Command, and the United States Army.Home Town: Gaithersburg, MarylandPersonal Awards: Silver Star (War on Terrorism), Bronze Star, Purple
Heart

BARRERA,
MICHAEL L., JR.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Michael L. Barrera, Jr., Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army,
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with
the 2d Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 172d Stryker Brigade Combat
team, at Mosul, Iraq, on 19 November 2005, during military operations in
support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM III. Staff Sergeant Barrera's courage
and disregard for his own welfare resulted in saving the lives of his
fellow comrades who were severely wounded. His bravery is in keeping
with the highest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct
credit upon himself, his unit, the United States Army, and the United
States of America.Home Town: Green River, WyomingPersonal Awards: Silver Star (War on Terrorism), Purple Heart

*BECKER,
SHANE (KIA)Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Shane Becker, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army,
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with
the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th
Infantry Division, during combat operations in support of Operation
IRAQI FREEDOM, on 3 April 2007, near Baghdad, Iraq.Born: October 12, 1971 at Denver,
Colorado
Home Town: Greeley, ColoradoPersonal Awards: Silver Star (War on Terrorism), Purple HeartIf you can help us locate S/Sgt Becker's Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

BELLAVIA,
DAVIDCitation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to David Bellavia, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with
Company A, Task Force 2-2, 1st Infantry Division, during combat
operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM during the battle for
Al Fallujah, Iraq, on 10 November 2004. Staff Sergeant Bellavia's
personal bravery and selfless actions are in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, 1st Infantry Division and the United States Army.

NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD: Staff Sergeant David Bellavia distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with
Company A, Task Force 2-2, 1st Infantry Division, in support of
Operation IRAQI FREEDOM during the battle for Al Fallujah, Iraq, on 10
November 2004. On that date Sergeant Bellavia's platoon was ordered to
clear a block of 12 buildings from which Jihadists were firing on
American forces. The first nine buildings were unoccupied, but were
found to be filled with enemy rockets, grenade launchers and other kinds
of weapons. When Bellavia and four others entered the tenth building,
they came under fire from insurgents in the house. Other soldiers came
to reinforce the squad and a fierce battle at close quarters ensued.
Many American soldiers were injured from the gunfire and flying debris.
At this point, Sergeant Bellavia, armed with a M249 SAW gun, entered the
room where the insurgents were located and sprayed the room with
gunfire, forcing the Jihadists to take cover and allowing the squad to
move out into the street. Jihadists on the roof began firing at the
squad, forcing them to take cover in a nearby building. Sergeant
Bellavia then went back to the street and called in a Bradley Fighting
Vehicle to shell the houses. After this was done, he decided to re-enter
the building to determine whether the enemy fighters were still active.
Seeing a Jihadist loading an RPG launcher, Sergeant Bellavia gunned him
down. A second Jihadist began firing as the soldier ran toward the
kitchen and Bellavia fired back, wounding him in the shoulder. A third
Jihadist began yelling from the second floor. Sergeant Bellavia then
entered the uncleared master bedroom and emptied gunfire into all the
corners, at which point the wounded insurgent entered the room, yelling
and firing his weapon. Sergeant Bellavia fired back, killing the man.
Sergeant Bellavia then came under fire from the insurgent upstairs and
the staff sergeant returned the fire, killing the man. At that point, a
Jihadist hiding in a wardrobe in a bedroom jumped out, firing wildly
around the room and knocking over the wardrobe. As the man leaped over
the bed he tripped and Sergeant Bellavia shot him several times,
wounding but not killing him. Another insurgent was yelling from
upstairs, and the wounded Jihadist escaped the bedroom and ran upstairs.
Sergeant Bellavia pursued, but slipped on the blood-soaked stairs. The
wounded insurgent fired at him but missed. He followed the bloody tracks
up the stairs to a room to the left. Hearing the wounded insurgent
inside, he threw a fragmentary grenade into the room, sending the
wounded Jihadist onto the roof. The insurgent fired his weapon in all
directions until he ran out of ammunition. He then started back into the
bedroom, which was rapidly filling with smoke. Hearing two other
insurgents screaming from the third story of the building, Sergeant
Bellavia put a choke hold on the wounded insurgent to keep him from
giving away their position. The wounded Jihadist then bit Sergeant
Bellavia on the arm and smacked him in the face with the butt of his
AK-47. In the wild scuffle that followed, Sergeant Bellavia took out his
knife and slit the Jihadist's throat. Two other insurgents who were
trying to come to their comrade's rescue, fired at Bellavia, but he had
slipped out of the room, which was now full of smoke and fire. Without
warning, another insurgent dropped from the third story to the
second-story roof. Sergeant Bellavia fired at him, hitting him in the
back and the legs and causing him to fall off the roof, dead. At this
point, five members of 3rd Platoon entered the house and took control of
the first floor. Before they would finish off the remaining Jihadists,
however, they were ordered to move out of the area because close air
support had been called in by a nearby unit.Home Town: Batavia, New York

BENNETT,
SEANSynopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Sean Bennett, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the
2d Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade
Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, during combat operations
in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM, on 20 January 2007, at Karbala,
Iraq. Sergeant First Class Bennett was assigned to a civil affairs group
training police and other provincial personnel in the Karbala area and
occupied a room that functioned as a communications center and bunkhouse
for four or five soldiers when the militants, dressed in American
uniforms, burst into the provincial building. The militants arrived in
SUVs like the ones used by private military contractors and either
bluffed their way past Iraqi-manned checkpoints or had inside help from
supposed coalition allies. They attempted to force their way through the
door of the communications room, but Sergeant First Class Bennett
pressed back. When one of the militants poked the muzzle of an AK-47
assault rifle through the small opening in the door, he grabbed it and
attempted to direct its fire away from the other soldiers. A militant
tossed a grenade into the room and Private First Class Johnathon
Millican, either jumped or fell on the grenade, absorbing the brunt of
its force. Sergeant First Class Bennett lost a chunk of his left biceps,
either from rifle fire or the grenade, and suffered severe burns from
the hot rifle muzzle. Yet he continued to hold back the door until the
militants detonated a charge in the hallway as they fled, then he
communicated what had happened to his commanders back on base and helped
organize the medical evacuation of the wounded.Home Town: Elgin, OklahomaIf you can help us locate SFC Bennett's Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

*BERNSTEIN,
DAVID R. (KIA)Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to David R. Bernstein, First Lieutenant
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for exceptionally valorous achievement while
serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry
Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, attached to
the 4th Infantry Division, on 18 October 2003, while on patrol in Qutash,
Iraq, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. First Lieutenant Bernstein, under
extreme enemy fire, risked his life in an effort to rescue one of his
soldiers. Although suffering from a mortar wound, First Lieutenant
Bernstein extracted the driver to safety, directed the security of his
objective, and repulsed the enemy forces before succumbing to his
wounds. First Lieutenant Bernstein's actions are in keeping with the
finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon
himself, the 4th Infantry Division, Combined Joint Task Force SEVEN, and
the United States Army.Home Town: Phoenixville, PennsylvaniaPersonal Awards: Silver Star (War on Terrorism), Purple Heart

BETTEN,
JOSHUA D.Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Joshua D. Betten, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army,
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with
Company A, 3d Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), during
combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, during
Operation Anaconda on 5 March 2003. On that date Sergeant First Class
Betten, together with Sergeant First Class Andrew Lewis, departed their
fire base on the border of Afghanistan for a planned six-day, two-man
sniper/observer mission, intended to provide early warning to their base
and to interdict enemy infiltration. The two men prepared a night
position about 1,600 meters from the base. Soon they were engaged by a
large force of the enemy, moving on their position. Sergeant Lewis fired
a claymore mine and set to cover their position, eliminating on attacker
and then shot a second one with his pistol. Simultaneously, Sergeant
Betten opened fire on other enemy soldiers, killing three of them. The
team was quickly under fire from two sides and they were forced to cover
each other as one reloaded and the other fired. At one point enemy
soldiers were so close that Sergeant Lewis threw three grenades, finally
breaking up the direct attack, though they remained under constant fire,
while Sergeant Lewis was in constant communication with their base,
which advised the two men that it would be 10 minutes before a relief
force could arrive. When the two soldiers tried to move to a less
exposed position, they came under machine gun fire from two directions.
After expending all their rifle ammunition and with only their pistols,
the two men slid 500 meters down a canyon cliff where they found cover
while waiting for the relief force composed of other Special Forces
members and Afghanistan soldiers. Once rescued, their report made it
obvious that a large force was massing to attack the base. The quick and
determined actions of these two soldiers gave enough advanced warning
that the base was spared an attack. Both men defended not only each
other, but all of the men in the base by their quick and effective
actions by their bravery and quick response in the face of an
overwhelming enemy assault. Sergeant First Class Betten's actions are in
keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect
distinct credit upon himself, this Command, and the United States Army.If you can help us locate
SFC Bettens's Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

BIEGER,
MARKSynopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Mark Bieger, Major (Infantry), U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as
Operations Officer of the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2d
Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, during combat operations in
support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 29 December, 2004, while
Commanding a convoy of six Strykers near Combat Outpost Tampa, in Iraq.
Following a massive truck bomb attack that left one American dying and
many others wounded, Major Bieger's Stryker was ambushed while racing to
reinforce Combat Outpost Tampa when it too was attacked from ambush
about a half mile from the Outpost. When several men were wounded, Major
Bieger loaded up those who were critical and raced back onto the highway
through the patch of still-unstable roadside bombs, traveling unescorted
for four miles to a combat support hospital. The prompt and daring
actions of Major Bieger saved the lives of two of his soldiers and his
actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism
and reflect distinct credit upon himself, this Command, and the United
States Army.If you can help us locate
Major Bieger's Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

BINNEY,
MATTHEWCitation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Matthew Binney, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Medical Sergeant for Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 765 (ODA-765), Company A, 2d Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), during combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, at Pashmul, Kandahar, Afghanistan, on 24 June 2006. Sergeant Binney’s heroic actions, despite two serious wounds, defeated a Taliban attack, saved the lives of his comrades, and prevented the destruction of his team. His actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the Combined Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, Special Operations Command Central, and the United States Army.

NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARDStaff Sergeant Matthew S. Binney, United States Army, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry in action as the Medical Sergeant for Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 765, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. On 24 June 2006, while conducting a cordon and search mission to capture or kill Taliban leadership in Panjawi District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, Sergeant Binney was assigned to lead a support by fire element as part of an effort to seize a compound located on key terrain adjacent to the detachment’s perimeter. His element consisted of one US Army Embedded Tactical Trainer (ETT), an interpreter, and nine Afghan Soldiers. As they moved to a position approximately 75 meters south of the objective, they came under heavy Taliban fire. Sergeant Binney maneuvered his element through enemy fire to his designated position and prepared his weapons to support the assault. The compound was quickly cleared and secured by the assault team. Immediately following the assault, an unexpectedly large Taliban Force counter-attacked with automatic fires. From his support by fire position, Sergeant Binney initiated lethal direct fires on the enemy, who were attempting to close on the target compound. Sergeant Binney’s action blunted the enemy envelopment of the element in the compound. Sergeant Binney’s small group immediately began receiving a heavy volume of accurate machinegun, rocket-propelled grenade, and small arms fires from all directions. Sergeant Binney maneuvered his element to close with and destroy an enemy automatic weapon that was placing effective fire on the beleaguered element within the compound. Continuing to maneuver his element, Sergeant Binney moved through an opening in a low mud wall and unknowingly into the midst of group of Taliban fighters. Sergeant Binney, the ETT, and the interpreter reacted with furious fire in several directions and employed hand grenades at extremely close ranges, killing many of the enemy. Groups of enemy fighters continued to approach to within 15 meters and fire directly into Sergeant Binney’s position while shouting insults and threats at the Afghan National Army Soldiers, indicating their intent to capture the group. As Sergeant Binney exposed himself to employ a grenade at a nearby group of enemy fighters, a bullet struck him in the back of the head, knocking him down, resulting in his temporary loss of vision and hearing. As he groped for his weapon and attempted to regain his bearings, two Afghan Soldiers were forced to withdraw from their support by fire position, leaving Sergeant Binney’s small element further isolated. When Sergeant Binney regained his vision, he returned to cover, refused medical attention, and rejoined the battle. In a valiant attempt to inspire the remaining defenders, he shouted words of encouragement at them and directed their fires against the determined and advancing Taliban. He then led them in an assault upon Taliban fighters who now seemed more determined to capture the isolated element. While attempting to maneuver on the flank of the approaching Taliban fighters, now as close as ten meters, the ETT was seriously injured by a rocket-propelled grenade. Sergeant Binney, ignoring his own bleeding head wound, selflessly risked his own life while immediately moving to retrieve the injured ETT. Caught in the open and completely exposed to enemy fire, he was brought down a second time by a burst of machine gun fire that destroyed his M4 carbine and shattered his left shoulder and upper arm. As he lay wounded, he continued encouraging the members of his element, and directed their fire as they became the target of an even heavier fusillade of machinegun and rocket-propelled grenade fires. Ignoring his wounds, Sergeant Binney maintained his composure, passed his radio to his interpreter, and assisted in directing a relief force to his position. When the relief force arrived to provide assistance, Sergeant Binney, despite both of his serious wounds, again refused medical assistance and resolved to walk out on his own so that all assistance could be afforded the more seriously wounded ETT. Sergeant Binney’s courageous actions and determined spirit not only prevented his small element from being overrun, captured, or destroyed, but decisively engaged and eliminated enemy forces who would have joined the assault on the beleaguered element defending the compound. His gallantry, dedication to duty, and selfless sacrifice exemplified the warrior ethos and directly contributed to the detachment seizing the initiative, denying the enemy the use of key terrain, and forcing the Taliban retreat. The heroic accomplishments of Sergeant Binney reflect great credit upon himself, the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, Special Operations Command Central, and the United States Army.Born: at Payson, Arizona
Home Town: Payson, ArizonaPersonal Awards: Silver Star (War on Terrorism), Bronze Star, Army
Commendation Medal, Purple Heart

BITTINGER,
RAYMONDSynopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Raymond Bittinger, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the
2d Battalion, 2d Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade Combat Team (Attached to
the 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery), 1st Infantry Division, during
combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM at Baqubah,
Iraq, on 9 April 2004, as his troops approached the small town of Behriz,
Iraq. Military intelligence and a recent attack suggested insurgents
were planning actions against U.S. forces in the area. Staff Sergeant
Bittinger and his team found themselves in what appeared to be a ghost
town: not an Iraqi in sight and no security visible. Suddenly, the men
spotted movement in the palm groves; insurgents unleashed a torrent of
RPG and small-arms fire. During the battle, as enemies directed their
fire toward specific targets, Staff Sergeant Bittinger weaved in and out
of the line of fire, protecting his comrades by drawing gunfire to his
own vehicle. As they fought, Bittinger's gunner took a hit, and fell
from his seat. Staff Sergeant Bittinger quickly removed his flak jacket,
used it to pressure the wound, and then jumped behind the gun and kept
firing. In the heat of battle, Staff Sergeant Bittinger knew that if his
men stayed where they were, they'd be sitting ducks for the
better-positioned insurgents. He had his driver move their Bradley
between the enemy fire and the other soldiers, allowing them to move to
a better tactical location. Eventually, Staff Sergeant Bittinger and his
men subdued the enemies as they left the area. Later that night, 20 to
30 insurgents attacked Coalition forces in the heart of Baqubah. Staff
Sergeant Bittinger rounded up a crew of volunteers and headed out to
help. En route, his vehicle took out insurgents who were firing RPGs and
using small arms. Before arriving at the scene, his vehicle was hit by
an IED, but they continued forward. Before he reached Baqubah, Staff
Sergeant Bittinger received orders to instead secure a bridge over the
Diyala River. So his team took a turn and headed toward the river. On
April 9th Staff Sergeant Bittinger and his soldiers killed at least 10
insurgents and wounded several others at Behriz; on their route to
Baqubah, they killed five and wounded an additional four. Staff Sergeant
Bittinger's actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of
military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the 1st
Infantry Division, and the United States Army.Born: at Chicago, Illinois
Home Town: Chicago, IllinoisIf you can help us locate S/Sgt Bittinger's Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

BLASKOWSKI,
MATTSynopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Matt Blaskowski, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as 3d
Platoon Weapon Squad Leader for Company C, 2d Battalion (Airborne),
503rd Infantry, 173d Infantry Brigade, during combat operations in
support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, on 3 May 2005, in Afghanistan,
Staff Sergeant Blaskowski displayed undaunted gallantry and valor
without regard for his own safety under heavy enemy machine gun and RPG
fire for over four hours while wounded near Bulac Kalay, Afghanistan in
the Arghandab Valley. Numerous times, Staff Sergeant Blaskowski placed
himself at great risk while engaging the enemy positions and relaying
directions to his machine gun crews. Staff Sergeant Blaskowski's
unwavering valor and understanding of his mission fixed a determined
enemy and prevented them from maneuvering in any direction, thereby
allowing 1st Platoon to destroy 17 enemy in the orchard, breaking all
resistance in the valley. Staff Sergeant Blaskowski fought with dogged
determination even after he was wounded in the leg pulling a wounded
solider to safety, maintaining his position for another hour until he
was able to help other wounded soldiers to safety. His actions reflect
great credit upon himself, CJF 76 and the United States Army.Home Town: Cheboygan, MichiganPersonal Awards: Silver Star (War on Terrorism), Purple HeartIf you can help us locate S/Sgt Blaskowski's Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

*BORBONUS,
JOHN G. (KIA)Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to John G. Borbonus, Private First Class, U.S.
Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving
with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry
Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, during combat
operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 12 April 2007, in
Iraq. On that date, an insurgent suicide truck bomber attempted to drive
his explosive-laden vehicle into Private First Class Borbonus' control
base. There were 20 soldiers within the base and the truck bomb was made
with 500 to 600 pounds of homemade explosives. Manning his machine gun
and without regard for his own personal safety, Private First Class
Borbonus' steady stream of fire diverted the vehicle before it detonated
in an explosion that destroyed three buildings and killed him instantly.
Although the truck bomb breached the perimeter, Private First Class
Borbonus' self-sacrificing actions averted a much large loss of life.Home Town: Boise, IdahoPersonal Awards: Silver Star (War on Terrorism), Purple HeartIf you can help us locate PFC Borbonus' Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

BRANDON,
JOSHUASynopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Joshua Brandon, Captain, U.S. Army, for conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Military
Transition Team Intelligence Officer for the 4th Battalion, 320th Field
Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Infantry Division,
during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 20 and
21 August 2006, in Adhamiyah, Iraq. On that date, the radio operator
received a call from one of the Iraqi army company commanders who said,
"I have 15 soldiers on the ground and I need you here or I'm
dead." The MiTT team mounted up with 18 U.S. Soldiers and
additional Iraqi army troops and moved to the location. When they
arrived, the small group of Iraqi army soldiers with armored vehicles,
together with a few Iraqi policemen and several uniformed members of
Jaish Al-Mahdi, the military wing of Muqtada al-Sadr's militia, were
hunkered down on a bridge near the Army canal under intense small-arms
and machine-gun fire. With small-arms fire crackling around them and
explosions from rocket-propelled grenades at about 100 meters away,
Captain Brandon crossed the danger zone twice to rally Iraqi army
soldiers who had little ammunition left. The MiTT turned the marchers
back to a safer route; Captain Brandon led a flanking maneuver with
Major Rick Ullian, 4-320th FAR executive officer, by crossing to
suppress the machine-gun fire, while Captain Ben Shaha, commander of the
MiTT, led a group who stepped in front of the marchers to shield them on
the bridge. The next day, Captain Brandon and the MiTT platoon linked up
with Iraqi army forces at Antar Square, which surrounds the Abu Hanifa
Mosque, a revered Sunni place of worship. Iraqi army checkpoints had
come under attack by numerous Sunni fighters. An Iraqi army platoon was
pinned down under heavy fire and lost contact with six of their soldiers
near the courthouse on the square. Captain Brandon and the MiTT chief
planned to lead an Iraqi army assault element up the street to relieve
the platoon and find the separated Iraqi soldiers. As the combined
assault element moved north, he exited the safety of his vehicle and,
under sustained small-arms fire from several roof tops, attempted
without success to halt a retreating group of friendly fighters. Captain
Brandon then split the Iraqi army and MiTT element on either side of the
road, and pushed the element forward. Under heavy enemy fire, he led his
first section north of the initial intersection by the courthouse and
into the square where they could place effective fires upon the enemy.
He maneuvered a vehicle from the second section into the intersection in
order to suppress the enemy from the west. While he and Shaha attempted
to rally an Iraqi assault element, his MiTT section was caught in a
crossfire. Captain Brandon positioned a third Iraqi truck in a
supporting fire position and assembled his second section for the
assault. He and the assault element proceeded south where they
encountered a five-man enemy reinforcement element. The assault element
opened fire, killing two and wounding one Sunni fighter. The enemy
fighters in the battle position, flanked by the assault force, withdrew.
Captain Brandon led his Soldiers through the door into three suspected
enemy houses. They cleared the houses, and then the assault element
followed a blood trail but lost the wounded fighter when he crossed a
sewer. Iraqi army elements entered Abu Hanifa Square and recovered their
six soldiers.Born: at Cleveland, Ohio
Home Town: Cleveland, OhioPersonal Awards: Silver Star (War On Terrorism), Bronze Star w/V,
Army Commendation MedalIf you can help us locate Cpt Brandon's Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

BRANNON,
PATRICKSynopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Patrick Brannon, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 503d Infantry
Regiment (Airborne), 173d Infantry Brigade, during combat operations in
support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan on 3 May 2005. A
group of scouts from the battalion's Headquarters and Headquarters
Company came across a man while on a morning patrol who told them he had
just been beaten up by a group of insurgents near Baluc Kalay. Led by
Staff Sergeant Brannan, the scouts investigated and came into contact
with an enemy force many times their own numbers. His forces engaged the
enemy and called in reinforcements. Staff Sergeant Brannon's actions are
in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect
distinct credit upon himself, this Command, and the United States Army.Home Town: Jacksonville, IllinoisIf you can help us locate S/Sgt Brannon's Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

BRANSON, CHARLES E.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Charles E. Branson, Captain, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with
military operations against a hostile force in Iraq in support of
Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Captain Branson distinguished himself while
serving as the Commander of Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 3d Air Defense
Artillery, in direct support of the First Brigade Combat Team of the 3d
Infantry Division (Mechanized) during the Battle for Objective JENKINS
from 24 to 29 March 2003. The First Brigade commander issued Captain
Branson a tactical mission order to secure a bridge in the vicinity of
the village of Al Kifal to enable the brigade to continue its attack in
Karbala. For this mission, in addition to his two Bradley Linebacker
platoons, Captain Branson received a tank platoon from 3-69 Armor as a
reserve, a Combat Observation Lasing Team (COLT), and a Long-Range
Acquisition System (LRAS) team. An air defense battery commander leading
a Bradley and tank company team in an attack was unprecedented. Just
after midnight on 25 March 2003, Captain Branson's company team reached
the service road leading to the bridge and immediately began receiving
heavy rocket-propelled grenades and small arms and mortar fire from a
hostile force well established in prepared defensive positions on the
near side of the bridge. Captain Branson pulled his forces back to a
rally point and called in artillery fire to suppress the enemy fire. He
rallied his forces and continued the attack, only to receive additional
heavy fire. For the next eight hours, Captain Branson maintained the
momentum of the attack, calling for artillery fires on three separate
occasions and requesting he commitment of the reserve tank platoon,
which arrived at 0800 on the morning of 25 March 2003. In a last ditch
effort to halt Captain Branson's unrelenting assault, the Iraqis
attempted to blow the bridge. A portion of the bridge collapsed, but
that did not stop the attack as Captain Branson aggressively ordered his
tanks to cross the weakened structure. This action turned the tide of
the battle. Following additional fire and maneuver, Captain Branson's
force secured the bridgehead, but fierce fighting continued for the next
36 hours. Later that day, the remainder of Task Force 3-69 Armor was
committed to the fight. On 26 March 2003, Task Force 2-69 Armor relieved
Task Force 3-69 Armor to continue the lodgment expansion on the far side
of the bridgehead. Captain Branson and his company team were ultimately
relieved on 29 March 2003. The enemy battle damage assessment for this
operation included more than 200 enemy killed in action, 20
"technical" vehicles destroyed, and the capture of numerous
weapons caches. Captain Branson's personal bravery, expert coordination
of artillery fire and ground attack, and exemplary devotion to duty were
in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and
reflected greet credit upon himself, the "Rock of the Marne"
Division and the United States Army.If you can help us locate
Cpt Branson's PHOTO, Please E-Mailus.

BRAXTON,
KENNETHSynopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Kenneth Braxton, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the
3d Infantry Division during combat operations in support of Operation
IRAQI FREEDOM, in Iraq.Home Town: Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaIf you can help us locate S/Sgt Braxton's Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

BROWN, JASON D.Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Jason D. Brown, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with
Company C, 3d Battalion, 3d Special Forces Group (Airborne) in support
of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM at Debecka Pass, Iraq, on 6 April 2003. Under
fire from artillery, tank shells, mortars and antiaircraft artillery
bursts fired in a low arc toward him, Sergeant Brown squatted and fired
shoulder-launched Javelin antitank missiles to take out two armored
personnel carriers and ignite a troop truck full of Iraqi infantrymen.
An hour before, Sergeant Brown had fired his very first Javelin at an
Iraqi troop truck in the distance. Staff Sergeant Brown's actions are in
keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect
distinct credit upon himself, this Command, and the United States Army.If you can help us locate S/Sgt Brown's Photo, Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

BROWN, MONICACitation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Specialist Brown, Specialist [the Private First
Class], U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism while serving with as a
Combat Medic with the 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade
Combat Team, during combat actions in support of Operation ENDURING
FREEDOM, on 25 April 2007, in Afghanistan. While on patrol, the trail
vehicle struck an IED which ignited the fuel, engulfing the vehicle in
an intense fireball. The patrol began to take small arms and mortar
fire. As the element retired fire, Specialist Brown immediately
dismounted her vehicle, and without regard for her personal safety,
moved to the burning vehicle amid intense enemy fire. After arriving at
the vehicle, Specialist Brown began to treat two casualties. As she
treated the wounded soldiers, intense enemy fire continued to impact her
immediate vicinity. On several occasions, Specialist Brown used her body
to shield the casualties from enemy fire, as well as the explosions of
ammunition. Specialist Brown moved to the more protected position with
her patients, and continued treatment as enemy small arms fire continued
to impact around her. Once again, Specialist Brown shielded the wounded
with her body. Specialist Brown's heroism and selfless devotion to duty
reflect great credit upon herself, Task Force Fury, the Combined Joint
Task Force-82, and the United States Army.Home Town: Lake Jackson, Texas

BRYANT, CHRISTIANCitation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Christian Bryant, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with
Company C, 1st Battalion, 32d Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division,
during combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, on 22
April 2007, near Shudergay Village, Afghanistan. Staff Sergeant Bryant's
personal bravery and selfless actions are in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, the 10th Mountain Division, and the United States Army.

NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD: Staff Sergeant Christian Bryant distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
in action while serving with Combat Company, 1st Battalion, 32d Infantry
Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, in support of Operation ENDURING
FREEDOM, on 22 April 2007, near Shudergay Village, Afghanistan. On the
morning of 22 April 2007, 2nd Platoon, Combat Company was conducting a
cordon and search of Shudergay Village when the platoon became engaged
by 30-40 enemy personnel from 15-20 enemy positions using AK-47s, sniper
rifles, PKMs, RPKs, and RPGs, lasting approximately 17 hours. Upon the
initial contact Staff Sergeant Bryant personally maneuvered his machine
guns under fire into a support by fire position allowing the ANA to
clear the village. When the platoon became pinned down inside the
village Staff Sergeant Bryant led a gun team and fire team up a
ridgeline, low-crawling most of the way under intense enemy fire in
order to establish an OP that could identify and fix the enemy
positions. He then low-crawled back to the Platoon CP with complete
disregard for his own safety, and under enemy sniper and small arms fire
in order to give his report to the Platoon Leader. Upon arrival at the
CP, Staff Sergeant Bryant discovered the Platoon Sergeant had suffered
an injury to his leg as he was evacuating a wounded ANA Soldier. Staff
Sergeant Bryant immediately took over as the Platoon Sergeant and
continued to assist the Platoon Leader controlling the fight. Staff
Sergeant Bryant then noticed that one of his M-240Bs was running low on
ammunition. He immediately moved ammunition to that gun, low crawling
the entire way due to the accurate sniper fire and intense small arms
and RPG. Throughout the engagement Staff sergeant Bryant continually
moved between positions to account for his soldiers regardless of the
heavy fire. He displayed great courage as he continued to move supplies
to those soldiers who were running low on ammo and water while under
heavy and accurate enemy fire. Throughout the contact, Staff Sergeant
Bryant assisted the Platoon Leader in controlling the numerous CAS
platforms to include Apache Gunships, A-10's, a B-l Bomber and an
AC-130. His guidance and experience in directing these assets onto enemy
targets was vital to the success of the platoon. He personally guided
the Apaches onto three enemy positions on the eastern ridgeline that
were suppressing his men, and effectively destroyed them. While under
intense sniper fire (rounds were accurately being fired inside the room
he was occupying), Staff Sergeant Bryant continued to directed the
AH-64's onto multiple enemy positions maintaining a calm, cool, and
collected attitude which effectively instilled confidence among all
those around him. When a member of 3d Platoon was wounded by enemy fire
Staff Sergeant Bryant helped coordinate his CASEVAC and he assisted
moving the Soldier to the LZ. As the machine gunners began to run low on
ammunition, Staff Sergeant Bryant calmly encouraged his machine gunners
to engage enemy personnel only after they had positively identified
them. Throughout the contact one enemy sniper had continued to plague
the platoon. After roughly 10 hours of fighting, one of the machine
gunners identified his position as the sun was going down and muzzle
flashes became more distinguishable. Staff Sergeant Bryant immediately
assisted the Javelin gunner in retrieving, loading and then engaging and
destroying the enemy sniper, all the while under intense enemy fire.
Throughout the fight Staff Sergeant Bryant not only commanded his squad
but he also performed duties well above his level of responsibility.
Staff Sergeant Bryant's actions exemplify what it means to be a true
leader and a combat Soldier. His valorous actions under intense enemy
fire showcased his personal courage and dedication to duty and to his
men. Staff Sergeant Bryant's actions were directly responsible for
killing a key ACM Sub commander Habib Jan, whom Coalition Forces had
been targeting for three years and who had been responsible for multiple
Coalition Force casualties. His actions also led to the destruction of
Habib Jan's ACM cell killing over 20 ACM fighters.

BUELOW, NATHAN J.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Nathan J. Buelow, Chief Warrant Officer Two (CW2),
U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against
enemy forces of the United States as Assistant Detachment Commander
assigned to Operational Detachment Alpha 065 (ODA-065), Company C, 2d
Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), at Baghdad, Iraq, on 9
July 2006, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI
FREEDOM. Chief Warrant Officer Two Buelow's outstanding leadership,
personal bravery and selfless actions are in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), and the United States
Army.

NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD: Chief Warrant Officer Two Nathan J.
Buelow heroically distinguished himself through conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity in action against enemy forces of the United States as
Assistant Detachment Commander assigned to Operational Detachment Alpha
065 (ODA-065), Company C, 2d Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group
(Airborne), at Baghdad, Iraq, on 9 July 2006. During Operation CAELUM in
the heart of the As-Shulla neighborhood of Baghdad, Iraq, Chief Warrant
Officer Two Buelow displayed unparalleled poise and confidence under
intense direct small arms and rocket propelled grenade (RPG) fire from a
maneuvering enemy. As the assault force leader on this raid, he led
three Special Forces officers, nine Special Forces NCOs, and 44 senior
Iraqi Special Operations Forces (ISOF) officers and NCOs (Commandos)
into three buildings which were tenaciously defended by numerous
insurgents. Upon entering the objective area, the entire convoy came
under severe enemy fire from all directions. Without hesitation, Chief
Warrant Officer Two Buelow took critical initiative and directed his
assault force to establish a foothold in a heavily fortified building
which they then secured in a matter of minutes. At one point during the
movement to the next enemy stronghold, three combatants armed with
AK-47s assaulted the western side of the friendly occupied objective.
With weapons raised, the insurgents advanced toward Chief Warrant
Officer Two Buelow's Communications NCO and acquired the SF Soldier in
their sights. With complete disregard of his own life and safety, Chief
Warrant Officer Two Buelow assaulted toward the advancing enemy and
engaged them, killing the first man and wounding a second insurgent. The
battle reached its climax as numerous enemy foot soldiers unleashed
nearly overwhelming firepower against the perimeter security elements.
Fearlessly exposing himself to enemy fire, Chief Warrant Officer Two
Buelow personally directed the mounted .50 caliber machine gunners to
volley their fire in order to maintain fire superiority and kill or
neutralize dozens of insurgents thus insuring that the friendly
perimeter remained intact. After coordinating his movement and fires
with the Ground Force Commander, Chief Warrant Officer Two Buelow then
organized additional commandos and led a charge into the final structure
in pursuit of numerous wounded enemy. In a brief but violent assault,
Chief Warrant Officer Two Buelow and his men secured the house, captured
the remaining insurgents, and exploited the objective for intelligence.
While withdrawing from the objective area, the convoy was caught in a
well-coordinated ambush in which the enemy fired numerous RPGs, and
AK-47s. In what amounted to a 360 degree ambush, the insurgents
unleashed an arsenal of munitions with unmatched ferocity, establishing
interlocking fields of fire. Maintaining absolute composure, Chief
Warrant Officer Two Buelow maneuvered the entire convoy out of harm's
way and then oversaw the evacuation of an ISOF Soldier who has just lost
his leg and fingers from a direct RPG hit. Chief Warrant Officer Two
Buelow's competence, professionalism, and courage under intense, direct
small arms fire were critical to the successful prosecution of the
target and preservation of the coalition force. His heroic acts saved
the life of a brother-in-arms and brought the men of his detachment home
safely. His heroic actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of
gallantry and intrepidity, and reflect great credit upon himself, the
Special Operations Command Central, and the United States Army.Home Town: Dubuque, Iowa

BURNS, KYLESynopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Kyle Burns, First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army,
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with
the 2d Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade Combat Team, during
combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on June 20,
2006. Lieutenant Burns distinguished himself while serving as a Platoon
Leader in Team Destroyer TF Catamount in Helmand Province, as part of
Operation MOUNTAIN THRUST. While conducting a route reconnaissance,
Lieutenant Burns' and another vehicle came under enemy ambush with small
arms, machine gun and rocket-propelled grenade fire. Burns directed the
vehicles to move forward, but his vehicle was disabled by enemy fire and
he sustained a back injury from the impact. He was forced to abandon the
vehicles and then directed his nine-man element to occupy a rooftop of a
nearby compound. He quickly organized a defensive posture on the
rooftop, where his element repelled 75 to 100 fighters who made repeated
attempts at overrunning their position. Despite being injured, he calmly
directed his element and leveraged air assets against the enemy force
until reinforcements were able to breach the enemy positions to gain
link-up. Over five hours, Lieutenant Burns' element destroyed an
estimated 35 enemy fighters. His leadership enabled his men to inflict
significant casualties against the enemy and sustained only one friendly
casualty.Born: at Syracuse, New York
Home Town: Syracuse, New York
Personal Awards: Silver Star (War on Terrorism), Purple HeartIf you can help us locate 1Lt Burns' Photo, Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

*BUTLER, JACOB LEE (KIA)Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Jacob Lee Butler, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with
Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored
Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI
FREEDOM, on 1 April 2003, in Iraq.Home Town: Wellsville, Kansas
Personal Awards: Silver Star (War on Terrorism), Bronze Star, Purple
HeartIf you can help us locate Sgt Butler's Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

CAMACHO, EDDIESynopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Eddie Camacho, Specialist, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the
3d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division,
during combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 25
April 2003, in Afghanistan. Specialist Camacho was part of a quick
reaction force trying to help American soldiers under attack along the
Afghanistan-Pakistan border. He climbed into the back of a civilian
pickup with two comrades to continue to ferry wounded soldiers to a
casualty collection point. The truck was ambushed by anti-coalition
forces, which bombarded him and the other soldiers with rocket-propelled
grenades and gunfire. Specialist Camacho provided the suppressive fire
that allowed his comrades to escape to safety while single-handedly
stopping the enemy's threat.Home Town: Bronx, New YorkIf you can help us locate Spc Camacho's Photo, Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

CAMACHO, JAVIERCitation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Javier Camacho, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army,
for heroism and valor under intense enemy fire while serving with Troop
B, 3d Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action
from 20 March 2003 to 6 April 2003, in Iraq. Sergeant First Class
Camacho's courage, tactical competence, and exemplary combat leadership
in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in Iraq resulted in the
destruction countless enemy dismounts and equipment ensuring the success
of the Troop and Squadron, culminating in the collapse of the Iraqi
Regime. His actions reflect great credit upon himself, 3d Squadron, 7th
U.S. Cavalry, 3d Infantry Division (M), and the United Sates Army.

NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
For heroism in connection with military
operations against a hostile force in Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI
FREEDOM. Sergeant First Class Camacho distinguished himself while
serving as the Platoon Sergeant for 4th Platoon, Bravo Troop, 3d
Squadron, 7th U.S. Cavalry, 3d Infantry Division (M). On 25 March 2003,
at approximately 1400Z, Sergeant First Class Camacho's troop traveled
into an enemy ambush southeast of the city of An Najaf. The entire troop
was surrounded by enemy small arms fire, RPG attacks and artillery from
all directions. As two tanks from 2d platoon were hit and began to burn,
B44 became mired and Sergeant First Class Camacho directed his crew on
B44 and the crew of his wingman, B43, to recover B44. While B43 and the
remainder of B44's crew recovered the tank, Sergeant First Class Camacho
and Sergeant Gallegos went to offer aid to the crews that had been hit
and were not out of their vehicles seeking cover on the North side of
the road. Keeping a vigilant eye on his surroundings and laying
suppressive fire in the direction of the heaviest enemy fire, Sergeant
First class Camacho noticed that the driver of B23 was not able to get
out of his tank because of burning debris on the front slope of the
tank. Sergeant First Class Camacho then directed his gunner and the
Platoon Sergeant from 3d platoon to cover him, as he made his way to the
burning tank. Giving no regard for the enemy mortar rounds that were
falling directly on his position or the ground around him being peppered
with AK-47 rounds, Sergeant First Class Camacho extinguished the fire on
the front slope of the burning tank and pulled the driver out before he
succumbed to deadly fumes from within the hull. After Sergeant First
Class Camacho had accountability of all members from the two destroyed
tanks he and his crew treated them to the best of their ability and
immediately evacuated them to medics in the rear utilizing his sister
platoon's Bradleys. On 3 April 2003 at approximately 1430Z, while
traveling north toward Baghdad, Sergeant First Class Camacho and his
crew observed a brigade scout vehicle take direct fire and begin to
burn. As the crew scrambled from the vehicle, Sergeant First Class
Camacho cold see they were pinned down with no way to escape the
unrelenting small arms and RPG fire the enemy was unleashing on them.
Sergeant First Class Camacho maneuvered his tank between the brigade
scout vehicle and the enemy fire from the north while B24 covered the
south of the scouts so Sergeant First Class Newby and himself could go
to ground and administer aid to two litter urgent victims of the attack,
with reckless abandonment of personal safety of their own. Gaining
security on the area and establishing an evacuation route, Sergeant
First Class Camacho then loaded the two casualties onto B34 and sped
them to medical attention. Once the wounded were out of harms way and
B21 arrived, Sergeant First Class Camacho then guided this section in a
tactically proficient and expedient manner that caught the enemy forces
by complete surprise and enabled him to annihilate all the enemy forces
in the immediate area that allowed his troop to secure passage through a
very canalized area. Sergeant First Class Camacho's personal bravery,
tactical expertise and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with
the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, 3d Squadron, 7th U.S. Cavalry, Third Infantry Division (M)
"Rock of the Marne" and the United States Army.Home Town: New Port Richey, Florida

CANON, ARIN K.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Arin K. Canon, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Weapons Squad Leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, during combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, during the period 3 to 4 March 2002, during Operation ANACONDA in Afghanistan. Staff Sergeant Canon's valorous actions while in direct contact with enemy forces and in the face of extensive duress during the successful rescue of Special Operators contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and to the saving of additional lives. Staff Sergeant Canon led the support element during the initial assault on an enemy fortified position. His leadership was instrumental in suppressing the objective and protecting the assault forces. Immediately following this action, he coordinated the defense of the entire objective, placing personnel and key weapon systems that enabled the platoon to defeat two enemy counterattacks. The gallantry displayed by Staff Sergeant Canon during 18 hours of combat is in keeping with the highest standards of valor, Through his distinctive accomplishments, Staff Sergeant Canon reflected great credit upon himself, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense.Home Town: Seminole, Florida

CARTER, CHRISSynopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Chris Carter, Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while commanding Company
A, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, during
combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 31 March
2003, in Iraq. On that date, Captain Carter's mission was to draw Iraqi
forces south in Hindiyah, a town of 80,000 some 80 kilometers south of
Baghdad, by taking a bridge and searching the police station. When his
Company rolled into town Iraqi fighters in civilian clothes opened fire
while cars thought to be laden with explosives encircled the Bradley
armored vehicles. Having been shot through the rear, an elderly Iraqi
woman signaled Attack Company for help and then went limp. The woman
later told an interpreter she had been shot by an Iraqi. Captain Carter
and a couple of soldiers moved onto the bridge, calling a medic for
help. Iraqi gunfire intensified as medics came and placed the woman on a
stretcher while Captain Carter provided cover with his M16A4 rifle.Home Town: Watkinsville, GeorgiaIf you can help us locate Cpt Carter's Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

*CASHE, ALWYN C. (KIA)Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Alwyn C. Cashe, Sergeant First Class, U.S.
Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving
with the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division,
during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 17
October 2005, in Iraq. Sergeant First Class Cashe was drenched in fuel
after an IED blast ignited the Bradley Fighting Vehicle's fuel cell,
during a patrol in Samarra, Iraq. After the vehicle came to a stop and
erupted in flames, he helped the driver out of the hatch and
extinguished his flames. In the back of the Bradley were six more
soldiers and a translator. As flames engulfed the Bradley Fighting
Vehicle, without regard for his personal safety, Sergeant First Class
Cashe rushed to the back of the vehicle, reached into the hot flames and
started pullout out his Soldiers. The flames spread to his fuel-soaked
uniform and spread quickly over his body. Despite terrible pain,
Sergeant First Class Cashe placed one injured soldier on the ground and
returned to the burning vehicle to retrieve another burning soldiers,
all the while, he was himself still on fire. Sergeant First Class Cashe
is credited with saving the lives of six soldiers, evacuating them
despite his own injuries and severe burns. He died of his wounds on
November 8, 2006.Born: at Thompson, Georgia
Home Town: Oviedo, Florida
Personal Awards: Silver Star (War on Terrorism), Purple HeartIf you can help us locate SFC Cashe's Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

CAYLOR, DENNISCitation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Dennis Caylor, First Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with
Company B, 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne
Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM
near As Samawah, Iraq, on 30 March 2003. First Sergeant Caylor's
personal bravery and selfless actions are in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, 82d Airborne Division and the United States Army.

NARRATIVE TO
ACCOMPANY AWARD: First Sergeant Dennis Caylor distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity during combat operations while
serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment,
82d Airborne Division, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, near As
Samawah, Iraq. On the morning of 30 March 2003, Company B, 1st
Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment was ordered to move to and
seize a blocking position to establish a base of operations in As
Samawah. While the company was moving into position, several enemy
soldiers were identified with weapons. After engaging the enemy, Company
B, 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment began to take
effective mortar, RPG, and machine gun fire. The enemy force soon grew
to approximately sixty personnel. During the enemy engagement, First
Sergeant Dennis Caylor was with Company B, 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne
Infantry Regiment when Private First Class Light, a SAW gunner with the
third platoon was shot in the face and began choking on his own blood.
Without regard for his safety, First Sergeant Caylor left his covered
position, receiving a near hit as a mortar round threw dirt and mud on
his position. He moved a gator over 100 meters of open ground through
enemy indirect and direct fire to reach Private First Class Light.
Organizing a CASEVAC with no medic at the time, First Sergeant Caylor
proceeded to assess Private First Class Light's wounds while receiving
effective mortar, RPG, machine gun, and small arms fire. Once First
Sergeant Caylor stabilized the casualty, he moved him back to a covered
position, employing hand held smoke to conceal his movement back to the
gator. Once again, exposing himself to hostile fire, he supervised
Private First Class Light's evacuation to an ambulance exchange point.
First Sergeant Caylor's actions greatly contributed in saving the life
of a fellow paratrooper and significantly contributed to B Company's
success. His actions bring great credit upon himself, the 325th Airborne
Infantry Regiment, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States
Army.Born: at Tonawanda, New York
Home Town: Jacksonville, Florida

CEBREROS, GILDARDOSynopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Gildardo Cebreros, Specialist, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the
5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade, 2d Infantry Division,
during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 24
March 2007, in Iraq. On that date, Specialist Cebreros' Stryker was
stuck by an improvised explosives device which resulted in seven wounded
Soldiers. Without regard for his personal safety, Specialist Cebreros
evacuated casualties three separate times under intense enemy small arms
fire.If you can help us locate Spc Cebreros' Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

*CHAO, CORNELL C. (KIA)Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Cornell C. Chao, Chief Warrant Officer 3,
U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against
the enemy while serving as Pilot of an AH-64D Longbow Apache Helicopter
with the 4th Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry
Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, during combat operations in support of
Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 28 January 2007, near An Najaf, Iraq. On
that date, Chief Warrant Officer Three Chao was dispatched to the city
of An Najaf to assist and support coalition troops who had come in
contact with enemy forces. Arriving support aircraft was attacked with
heavy machine gun fire and rocket propelled grenades and Chief Warrant
Officer Three Chao placed his helicopter in the direct line of enemy
fire so that another air crew that was under attack could maneuver out
of danger. Over the next fifteen minutes he bravely flew in the face of
intense enemy fire to support the coalition ground forces until his
aircraft was struck and crashed, killing Chief Warrant Officer Three
Chao.Home Town: Fullerton, California
Personal Awards: Silver Star (War on Terrorism), Purple HeartIf you can help us locate CWO Chao's Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

CHOAY, CHRISTOPHERSynopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Christopher Choay, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with
Company C, 2rd Battalion (Airborne) 503rd Infantry, during combat
operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, on 3 May 2005, in
Afghanistan. Staff Sergeant Choay displayed undaunted gallantry and
valor without regard for his own safety under heavy enemy machine gun
and RPG fire for over four hours near Bulac Kalay, Afghanistan in the
Arghandab Valley. While elements of his battalion were engaged with
enemy forces, additional enemy forces were found to be centered along a
stone wall and bunker. Apache helicopters circled overhead, but were
largely thwarted from attacking many positions by the tree cover the
orchard provided. Staff Sergeant Choay's squad was ordered to take the
position, and was able to approach the wall from a flanking position
because of the efforts of other friendly elements who were largely
holding the enemy's attention. He found three enemy combatants on
machine guns and another with an RPG launcher. He killed three and
wounded another, who was then shot by another soldier. Approaching the
bunker, Staff Sergeant Choay exchanged shots with one enemy, then threw
a grenade into the bunker. Five enemy bodies were later found inside.If you can help us locate S/Sgt Choay's Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

CHURCH, JEREMIAHCitation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Jeremiah Church, Specialist, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a
reconnaissance platoon machine gunner with Troop B, 5th Squadron, 73d
Cavalry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, during combat operations in
support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM, on 8 August 2006, in Iraq.
Specialist Church was manning the .50-caliber machine gun in the turret
of a Humvee during a mounted reconnaissance mission north of Baqubah,
Iraq, when the patrol came under fire from a large-caliber machine gun
and several insurgents in dug-in positions. Because of the terrain and
placement of the other vehicles on a canal road, Specialist Church was
the only gunner who could respond. During an intense firefight with more
than 30 enemy, Specialist Church was shot through the left wrist but
continued to fire, reloading and shooting repeatedly with one hand while
another soldier applied a pressure dressing to his wrist. Ignoring the
pain and bleeding, Specialist Church engaged and destroyed the enemy
gunner, giving the rest of the platoon time to organize a resistance.
After applying a tourniquet to his arm, he then dismounted to get more
ammunition for his .50-caliber machine gun, firing his M4 to suppress
continuous enemy fire. Although he subsequently passed out from loss of
blood, upon regaining consciousness he resumed fighting, supplying
ammunition to the soldier who had taken over the gun in the turret. The
gallant actions of Specialist Church, without thought for his own
safety, was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service
and reflects great credit upon himself, the 82d Airborne Division, and
the United States Army.

NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD: Specialist
Jeremiah Church distinguished himself by exceptional valorous conduct as
a reconnaissance platoon machine gunner with Troop B, 5th Squadron, 73d
Cavalry (Airborne Reconnaissance), 82d Airborne Division, FOR Caldwell,
Iraq, on 8 August 2007 during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Specialist
Church's platoon was conducting an intelligence gathering operation
approximately 22 kilometers north of Baquba, Iraq, near the village of
Naqeeb and reconnoitering support by fire positions for another troop in
support of an upcoming squadron operation. As the convoy of 11 gun
trucks moved out, Specialist church, serving as an M2 .50 caliber
gunner, was on the gun of the second truck, following an Iraqi Police
pickup with the village mayor and his armed escort. As they maneuvered
down a restrictive canal road, the IP pickup and Specialist Church's
vehicle were engaged by intense, accurate fire from a DSHKA 14.7-mm
machine gun mounted in a technical vehicle 200 meters north of his
position. Rounds impacted on and around his vehicle, destroyed the
pickup and killed one IP instantly. Specialist church immediately
engaged, killing two insurgents. Simultaneously, large volumes of fire
erupted from the trenches that surrounded his platoon's position.
Because of terrain, none of the other vehicles could engage with
accurate fires so Specialist Church was now in an intense firefight with
over 30 well-entrenched insurgents that controlled the dominant terrain
and were heavily armed and well supplied. Specialist Church identified
three more insurgents in a nearby canal and killed them with a short
burst of fire. While engaging, he was shot through his left wrist by a
7.62 mm. round but ignored the pain and continued his stalwart defense.
Although suffering from arterial bleeding and intense pain, he continued
to load and fire at the enemy. While reloading with one hand, he put his
wounded hand into the turret so that the forward observer could apply a
pressure dressing to cover the hole in his wrist. Now reloaded, with
rounds bouncing inside of his turret, Specialist Church began again
engaging the DSKHA that now had his platoon pinned down. This allowed
them valuable time to turn around on the canalized road, kill three more
insurgents and take the gun out of action. His wrist still bleeding
profusely, Specialist Church applied a tourniquet to himself and then,
completely disregarding his own safety, exited the truck under intense
fire and gathered more ammunition to reload his machine gun, firing his
M4 as he dismounted. Specialist Church continued engaging and destroying
enemy forces, now firing from trenches, bunkers, tree tops and
buildings, for another few minutes until he passed out from pain and
blood loss. The forward observer manned his machine gun and while
continuing the engagement, Specialist Church regained consciousness and
started gathering and passing ammunition to the new gunner. Twice he
dismounted his vehicle under a murderous hail of gunfire to gather more
ammunition. Specialist Church's heroic actions were directly responsible
for destroying a DSHKA, 11 insurgents and covering other Paratroopers
displacement under heavy fire even though he was severely wounded. His
courage under fire is in keeping with the finest traditions of military
service and reflects distinct credit upon himself, Task Force
Headhunter, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.Born: January 14 1986 at Jamestown, New
York
Home Town: Gerry, New York
Personal Awards: Silver Star (War on Terrorism), Purple Heart

CHURCH, JEREMYSynopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Jeremy Church, Private First Class, U.S. Army
(Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while
serving with the 724th Transportation Company during combat operations
in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, in Iraq, on 9 April 2004. While
on an emergency fuel mission to Baghdad International Airport, Private
First Class Church's convoy was ambushed by 200 members of Muqtada al
Sadr's militia. The Humvee that he was driving contained platoon leader
First Lieutenant Matthew Brown, who was severely wounded. After saving
Brown, he went back to the raging firefight to rescue those still pinned
down. Under heavy fire, Church rendered aid to other wounded. Remaining
behind, he killed several insurgents and had to be pulled out of the gun
battle. Later helped the wounded civilian truck drivers to safety.
Private First Class Church is credited with saving five soldiers' lives
and four civilians.Home Town: Bartonville, IllinoisIf you can help us locate PFC Church's Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

CLEMMER, BRENTSynopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Brent Clemmer, Major (Infantry), [then Captain),
U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while
Commanding Company C, 2d Battalion, 3d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry
Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI
FREEDOM, on 28 January 2007, near Najaf, Iraq. On that date, Major
Clemmer was notified of a downed AH-64 helicopter, and that coalition
forces were receiving significant small arms and mortar fire in the
area. He moved his unit approximately 100 kilometers to the site, linked
up with the Special Forces team near the crash site, which had suffered
casualties, and established a defensive perimeter between the wreckage
and enemy forces. He put in place rules of engagement to identify and
destroy enemy forces while directing the recovery of the aircraft and
pilot's remains. Major Clemmer directed his unit in repulsing several
enemy counter attacks during the night. At daylight, Major Clemmer and
his unit deployed forward to support his sister company's assault of an
enemy trench to the east. Major Clemmer and his men also accepted the
surrender of several hundred personnel, many combatant and others
non-combatant. He identified wounded and established a landing zone for
medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and for bringing in additional medical
supplies, water, and humanitarian rations. His actions and those of his
soldiers resulted in approximately 250 enemy killed, 81 enemy wounded
and 410 enemy captured. They also recovered several hundred weapons to
include small arms, machine guns, mortars and RPGs, plus stockpiles of
enemy ammunition, medical supplies and food.Home Town: Monterey, CaliforniaIf you can help us locate Major Clemmer's Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

*COLLIER, RUSSELL L. (KIA)Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Russell L. Collier, Sergeant, U.S. Army,
for gallantry in actions against an enemy of the United States during
combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 3 October
2004, in the vicinity of Taji, Iraq. With his Squad Leader seriously
wounded, Sergeant Collier, the Battery Medic for Battery A, 1st
Battalion, 103d Field Artillery Brigade, attached to the 1st Battalion,
206th Field Artillery Regiment, 39th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry
Division, advanced under enemy fire in order to render first aid. His
unselfish actions under direct enemy fire led to his own mortal wounds.
By his outstanding bravery and courage Sergeant Collier served to
inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the
Armed Forces. Sergeant Collier brings great credit upon himself, the 1st
Cavalry Division, Multi-National Corps Iraq, and the United States Army.

NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD: Sergeant Russell Collier distinguished
himself by gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States
while serving as a Medical Aidman attached to Battery A, 1st Battalion,
103d Field Artillery Brigade, attached to the 1st Battalion, 206th Field
Artillery Regiment, 39th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, in
the vicinity of Taji, Iraq, on 3 October 2004. On that date Sergeant
Collier was traveling with the four howitzer section for the day along
with another howitzer section from Battery A, 1st Battalion, 103d Field
Artillery Brigade, and an Iraqi National Guard Platoon. They were
conducting traffic control points, route security and area
reconnaissance along the Tigris River near the village of Al Mazurka,
Taji, Iraq. While traveling on a road south of Camp Taji, the patrol
came under small arms fire from the West. The Iraqi National Guard
soldiers pursued the potential shooter as he ran east into a local
housing area. The howitzer section established over-watching crew-served
weapons positions with their gun trucks, while five Iraqi National Guard
soldiers and for U.S. soldiers maneuvered to find the shooter. Sergeant
Collier accompanied the fire team when the section came under
significant direct fire contact. They continued fire and maneuver
towards the enemy crew-served weapon position and Sergeant Collier
waited his turn as the soldiers conducted buddy team ,maneuvers around
the berm that was providing cover and concealment for the team. During
this fire and maneuver, the section chief was mortally wounded and
Sergeant Collier gave his M-4 to another soldier, instructed him to get
his aid bag and left the protection provided by the berm to provide
immediate first aid. Sergeant Russell Collier made the ultimate
sacrifice for his fellow soldier and for his country by exposing himself
to hostile direct fire in an attempt to render first aid and to save the
life of one of his comrades in arms. His unselfish actions under direct
enemy fire served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest
traditions of the Armed Forces. Sergeant Collier brings great credit
upon himself, the 1st Cavalry Division, Multi-National Corps Iraq, and
the United States Army.Home Town: Harrison, Arkansas
Personal Awards: Silver Star (War on Terrorism), Purple Heart

COLLINS, ROBERTSynopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Robert Collins, Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against enemy forces
while serving with Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 041
(ODA-041), 2d Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), during
combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 4 April
2005, near Tawhilla, Iraq. Master Sergeant Collins' heroism and bravery
under intense enemy fire was directly responsible for the safety and
well being of a combined 140-man US-Iraqi force and the death of 3 Anti
Iraqi Forces (AIF) members. While searching for an AIF training
camp/cache site in the vicinity of Balad Ruz, the combined force was
caught in a 150 meter long L-Shaped ambush by a platoon-sized force
simultaneously firing Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPG), mortars, PKMs,
AK-47s and throwing hand grenades. The combined force broke contact and
called for air support. After an initial air strike by F-16 aircraft
armed with 500-pound GBUs, the Iraqi Army (IA) element attacked across
the objective, immediately receiving enemy fire. The enemy's withering
fire wounded numerous soldiers, and restricted the ability to of the
Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) to call further Close Air Support.
Quickly recognizing the need for action and in an attempt to maintain
order and discipline among the Iraqi forces facing overwhelming
firepower, Master Sergeant Collins led his element to engage the enemy,
personally eliminating at least three enemy fighters. Throughout the
engagement, Master Sergeant Collins' decisiveness, calm demeanor and
aggressive spirit allowed the ODA to close with and destroy the enemy
elements, to include 17 AIF Killed in Action, 5 destroyed vehicles and
numerous weapons. Master Sergeant Collins' actions are in keeping with
the finest traditions of heroic military service and reflect great
credit upon himself, the Special Operations Command Central, and the
United States Army.If you can help us locate M/Sgt Collins' Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

COLUCCI, DAVID G.Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to David G. Colucci, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Senior
Engineer Sergeant with the 3d Special Forces Group (Airborne), during
combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, during an
ambush in Afghanistan, on 25 June 2004. While conducting a recovery
operation of an improvised explosive device, Staff Sergeant Colucci's
convoy came under attack. Although he suffered a gunshot wound to his
abdomen, Sergeant Colucci maneuvered his vehicle into a protective
position and pulled security for his fellow Soldiers until
reinforcements arrived. He then manned the door gunner machinegun while
his element moved into a secure area to wait for medical evacuation.If you can help us locate S/Sgt Colucci's Photo, Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

CONROY, JASONSynopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Jason Conroy, Captain (Armor), U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as
Commanding Officer of Company C, 64th Armor, 2d Brigade Combat Team, 3d
Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in support of
Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.Home Town: Appalachian, New YorkIf you can help us locate Cpt Conroy's Photo, Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

COOMER, JOHNSynopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to John Coomer, First Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Troop
C, 5th Squadron, 73d Cavalry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, during
combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 16 November
2006, near Turki Village in the Diyala Province, Iraq. During a
trench-and-canal clearing operation as part of Operation TURKI BOWL,
First Sergeant Coomer exposed himself to enemy fire to cover for his
fatally wounded officer. He threw a grenade directly onto the enemy so
that a medic could get to the wounded officer. He then returned fire
after being ambushed a second time, yet was able to establish a casualty
collection point (CCP) and call in close-air support. He saw a wounded
Iraqi soldier 15 feet away and again moved under enemy fire to provide
initial medical treatment and carry him to the CCP. After First Sergeant
Coomer cleared the remaining enemy trench with the rest of his platoon,
he motivated his troops through four more days of fighting in which 48
enemy fighters were confirmed killed. The gallant leadership of First
Sergeant Coomer, without thought for his own safety, was in keeping with
the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit
upon himself, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.Home Town: Logan, OhioIf you can help us locate 1/Sgt Coomer's Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

CORNFORD, STEVEN
J.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Steven J. Cornford, Specialist, U.S. Army, for exceptionally valorous conduct while serving with Company A, 3d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3d Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, while in close combat with Al Qaeda attack cell members during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 06-08, on 8 April 2007, in Iraq. Private First Class Cornford's outstanding dedication to duty while wounded and under enemy fire contributed to the overwhelming success of the command's mission. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect great credit upon himself, the Warhorse Battalion, Task Force PANTHER, the 1st Cavalry Division, and the United States Army.NARRATIVE FOR AWARD:Private First Class Steven J. Cornford, Rifleman, 1st Squad, 2d Platoon, Alpha "Assassin" Company, 3d "Warhorse" Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, demonstrated exceptional courage under fire during Operation SAMURAI on 8 April 2007. Insurgent forces engaged his squad from a prepared defensive position, wounding him and two other Soldiers in his element. Private First Class Cornford demonstrated courage and loyalty by continuing to defend his mortally wounded platoon leader with small arms and grenades in spite of his own gunshot wound. Alpha "Assassin" Company conducted Operation SAMURAI, an Air Assault operation into a town known to contain insurgent safe houses shortly after midnight on 8 April 2007. As the rotary wing aircraft approached the HLZ, the supporting Air Weapons Team identified individuals fleeing the objective area to the south. After securing an initial foothold building on the objective, Private First Class Cornford's squad, accompanied by his platoon leader, moved to interdict the enemy as they were attempting to evade through a copse of trees 800 meters to the south of the foothold building. The Platoon Leader ordered Private First Class Cornford's Squad Leader to set a base of fire overwatching the stand of trees, and then moved with Private First Class Cornford's team toward the last known location of the enemy. As his fire team approached, AIF engaged Private First Class Cornford's team from a different position with automatic weapons fire and hand grenades at a range of 15 meters. The Platoon Leader was mortally wounded in the initial contact, though he remained conscious until he was evacuated. Grenade shrapnel struck Private First Class Cornford's team leader, and Private First Class Cornford was struck in the arm by AK-47 fire. Private First Class Cornford and his fire team were pinned down. On his own initiative and without regard for his personal safety, a wounded Private First Class Cornford high crawled under fire to his Lieutenant's position to defend him and render buddy aid. With only one arm fully functional, Private First Class Cornford used his SKEDCO litter to prop up his weapon to continue to engage the enemy one-handed. During this time, the enemy was continuing to place heavy and effective fire on their position, making it difficult for additional members of the squad to move to their aid. Private First Class Cornford stubbornly defended his position for several minutes, refusing to leave his stricken comrade. He continued to engage the enemy with small arms fire and apply pressure to his Platoon Leader's wound until his Squad Leader arrived at his position. On his Platoon Leader's final order, Private First Class Cornford and the Squad Leader engaged the enemy position with hand grenades, knocking it out of action. Private First Class Cornford and other squad members then rendered first aid to the Platoon Leader until additional forces and the MEDEVAC aircraft arrived. Private First Class Cornford's bravery under fire in close contact was instrumental in his squad's destruction of the enemy. His actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Infantry and of military valor.Home Town: Mountain Home, Idaho
Personal Awards: Silver Star (War on Terrorism), Purple Heart

COWART, DANIELSynopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Daniel Cowart, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Team Leader in
the 1st Platoon, Company D, 3d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3d
Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, during combat operations in
support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 13 May 2007, near Samarra, Iraq.
On that date, while on a combat patrol, a vehicle fitting the
description of one used by insurgents placing roadside bombs approached
the patrol. After a series of warnings, the passengers refused to get
out and Sergeant Cowart, with his lieutenant and a comrade, exited their
vehicle. Two of the insurgents dismounted and fired at the officer, and
the driver of the insurgent vehicle then exited and also attempted to
attack the officer, but was tackled by Sergeant Cowart. As Sergeant
Cowart engaged in a vicious hand-to-hand struggle with the insurgent
driver, the lieutenant began firing. Unknown to Sergeant Cowart the
enemy driver was wearing a vest laden with explosives, which
subsequently detonated, killing his lieutenant and wounding him in the
leg. Due to his ability to process tactical situations instantaneously
and his utter disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Cowart was able to
correctly maneuver himself and his men into a position of advantage and,
through his tactical know-how, use of terrain, and personal courage, he
was able to save the lives of two of his comrades at the cost of his own
leg.Home Town: Orange, TexasIf you can help us locate Sgt Cowart's Citation &/or Narrative, Please E-Mailus.

CREMIN,
COLINSynopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Colin Cremin, First Lieutenant (Armor), U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Executive Officer of Company A, 2d Battalion, 37th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 17 April 2004, near Diwaniyah, Iraq.NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARDFirst Lieutenant Cremin conspicuously distinguished himself with great gallantry and fearless leadership on 17 April 2004. First Lieutenant Cremin assumed command of the Heavy Equipment Transport convoy of the majority of the battalion’s tracked vehicles when it suffered an ambush in the city of Ad-Diwaniyah. The convoy was using an alternate route when the lead elements of the HET convoy began to encounter a barrage of small arms and RPG fire over a four-kilometer stretch of urban terrain. The company hasty defense, counter-attack and recovery of all the vehicles lasted over three hours and was fought through 4 kilometers of dense urban terrain which offered stiff enemy resistance with both small arms and RPG fire. At the onset of the attack, First Lieutenant Cremin monitored the convoy commander’s frequency and quickly determined that the HET drivers were confused and did not understand how to respond to such a heavy onslaught. While attempting to gain contact with the lead HETs to urge them to continue their move, First Lieutenant Cremin’s tank began to receive heavy small arms and RPG fire from both sides of the street. First Lieutenant Cremin fought out of his hatch the entire time in order to prevent enemy dismounts from approaching the vehicle and to maintain situational awareness of the entire convoy. An RPG round impacted on the right rear of his tank and after identifying the attacker 300m down an alley, destroyed the RPG team with .50 cal fire. He and his gunner fought the tank as a three-man crew and engaged dismounted attackers from both the rooftops and alleyways throughout the kill zone. First Lieutenant Cremin continued to maintain situational awareness and was able to identify portions of the convoy had made wrong turns and were becoming vulnerable due to their limited mobility. He ordered all vehicles to a rally point on the other side of the river allowing the tank platoon leaders in the convoy to direct their HETs to a common point to reconsolidate. First Lieutenant Cremin then ordered tanks in the kill zone to break the retaining chains and continue the fight off of the HETs in order to increase mobility and survivability. At this point, he received the report that Aggressor White 2’s HET was disabled and still in the kill zone. At this point, First Lieutenant Cremin organized a counter-attack into the city to retrieve the HET before it fell into enemy hands. Originally, he organized a four-tank platoon to conduct the action, but while maneuvering in the tight terrain on the other side of the river, Aggressor Red 2 found soft ground and became mired. First Lieutenant Cremin then ordered Aggressor Red 3 to provide security for Red 2 while recovery assets arrived to assist the vehicle. At this point, First Lieutenant Cremin in his vehicle and Aggressor Red 4, SSG Costa, were the only two tanks available for the counter-attack. First Lieutenant Cremin led the section over the bridge and back into the kill zone where they immediately began to take more small arms and RPG fire. The section destroyed numerous enemy combatants on the street and on the rooftops as well as in vehicles that were being used to transport RPG teams into and out of the battle. First Lieutenant Cremin fought here for well over an hour and it was his use of the main gun on RPG teams that broke the attacker’s will and the enemy began to flee the area. He then organized control points along the route with Aggressor Red 4 and tanks from other companies to secure the route for the lost and disabled HETs. First Lieutenant Cremin remained near the disabled HET awaiting instructions on what actions to take while continuing to receive enemy small arms and RPG fire. While waiting for the order to either recover or destroy the HET, an RPG round slammed into the side of the HET causing it to burst into flames. First Lieutenant Cremin immediately engaged the RPG team with .50 cal destroying the enemy troops. Once all the remaining HETs were accounted for and safely across the bridge, First Lieutenant Cremin ensured that all tanks were operational and recovered. He then broke down his control points and crossed the river away from the kill zone. First Lieutenant Cremin’s tank accounted for the most enemy killed during the entire engagement. His calm demeanor under extreme danger and ability to lead elements of a transportation company, three tank companies, a Headquarters company, and a scout section through a counter-attack to retrieve lost and endangered army equipment is a credit to his leadership and bravery in the face of heavy enemy fire. His strong leadership was a major factor in motivating the members of the convoy to fight fiercely in the face of such an organized attack. Had First Lieutenant Cremin not taken control of the situation once the convoy entered the ambush, there would most likely have been many more friendly casualties and destroyed or captured vehicles. First Lieutenant Cremin’s exceptional bravery while under intense fire during a three-hour attack is in the highest traditions of the 2d Cavalry Regiment, the 1st Armored Division and the United States Army.Home Town: Hunt, Texas
Personal Awards: Silver Star (War on Terrorism), Bronze Star